CARSON CITY, Nev. — Today, the Nevada Assembly Committee on Government Affairs conducted a hearing on AB 211, legislation that orders developers to consider the impacts to wildlife and their respective habitats in development plans.
(A video of the hearing can be watched here)
Urban development can cause irreversible damage to wildlife, consuming and fragmenting their habitats, cutting off migration corridors, and impacting the quality of the remaining habitat, including air and water. Assembly Bill 211, sponsored by District 41 Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui, would require developers to consult with the Nevada Department of Wildlife on any development proposals to minimize and mitigate impacts on wildlife and habitats when feasible and to state those impacts as part of their proposals.
“Our current rate of development, coupled with Nevada’s growing population is placing stress on our wildlife populations. However, with thoughtful planning informed by consultation with experts and relying on the best available science, harm to wildlife and habitat can be minimized or avoided,” said Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui. “I’m proud to champion legislation that allows continued development in a way that protects our natural environment and the wildlife that makes the Silver State unique.”
“Between population growth, climate change, and threats of urban development, the pressures on wildlife will only increase. With AB 211, we can build a future that allows local planning authorities to have the tools and information they need to avoid or mitigate impacts to wildlife and their habitat. Development should not come at the expense of our natural environment,” said Nevada Conservation League Executive Director Paul Selberg. “The Nevada Conservation League is grateful to Assemblywoman Jauregui for bringing this legislation to the Assembly and we will continue to support policies that protect Nevada’s people, land, air, water, and wildlife.”